Average Cost of Food in Venice

Venice is one of the most popular tourist hot spots in all of Italy if not all of Europe. From gondola rides on the Grand Canal to walking tours of famous attractions like St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge, there’s a lot to love.

Yet just like other Italian tourism hot spots like Florence, Milan, and Rome, you need to be mindful of your food budget. Knowing the average cost for different meals, and budget-friendly ways to save money on food prices will help you make the most out of your next Venice food tour.

Most of the eateries in Venice advertise their prices in Euros (€) which is around $1.10 to $1.25 USD.

Average Cost of Breakfast in Venice

In Venice, the average cost of breakfast can vary depending on where you go and the type of meal you prefer.

A simple breakfast of a pastry and coffee will range between €4 to €7 at a local cafe. If you opt for an espresso, it can add another €1.10 to €2.80. Whereas a fancier morning beverage like a cappuccino will increase the cost by €1.60 to €4.00.

If you want more of a sit-down breakfast with things like bacon, eggs, and toast, the average cost can range from €10 to €20.

If you want to have breakfast at a well-known restaurant near major attractions like Caffè Florian in Piazza San Marco, the cost for breakfast starts around €20 and can go up from there.

Money Saving Travel Tip

One easy way to save money on breakfast in Venice is to go to local bakeries, called pasticcerias. They tend to be more affordable, allowing you to enjoy a light breakfast for around €3 to €5.

However, the staff at local bakeries don’t always have a strong command of the English language. So, hedge your bets by learning how to pronounce your favorite breakfast foods in Italian!

Average Cost of Lunch in Venice

The average cost for lunch in Venice at one of the many casual cafes typically ranges from €8 to €15. This is usually a light meal and a beverage might not be included in the price. If you do want an adult beverage with your lunch, you can save money ordering the house wine, over an exclusive bottled vintage.

The cost for a slice of pizza at a Venetian pizzeria typically ranges from €2.50 to €5. Sometimes you can even find street food vendors offering a utility slice of pizza or other snacks that can serve as a light lunch for around €5.

If you want to enjoy a sit-down lunch in Venice, at a place like Trattoria Alle Lance, you can expect the cost at a mid-level restaurant to average from €12 to €18.

Lunch at a Venetian fine-dining restaurant or in a heavy tourism area like San Marco, or near the Doge’s palace, can easily run you €20 or more.

Money Saving Travel Tip

To save money on lunch while touring Venice, try eating at a restaurant with a prix fixe menu. Places with a “fixed-price menu” like Osteria alle Testiere and Ristorante Glam often have combination meals with a drink, appetizer, and entrée at a more reasonable price than if you ordered a la carte.

If you want a snack after lunch, or a simple dessert, then the city is full of gelaterias. You can typically get a gelato, zaleti and similar treats for less than €5

Average Cost of Dinner in Venice

Dinner in Venice at a casual, budget-friendly restaurant averages around €15 to €25 a person. These meals typically involve some type of pasta dish or perhaps a pizza with a simple beverage. A glass of wine or a more sophisticated beverage is typically extra.

If you want to have dinner at a mid-range restaurant like Trattoria Al Gatto Nero or Antiche Carampane comes with an average cost of €30 to €50 per person.

This usually consists of a three-course meal with an appetizer, a main course, and a dessert. House wine and simple beverages are usually included.

Dinner at one of Venice’s high-end restaurants can range from €70 to €150 or more per person. These are typically fine dining experiences with multiple courses or a tasting menu made with high-quality ingredients. Many times, the cost of the meal includes a bottle of wine or specific glasses of wine, which are provided as recommended pairings.

Money Saving Travel Tip

Budget travelers trying to save on travel costs for dinner might want to consider looking for restaurants in less touristy parts of Venice. This includes areas like the Cannaregio district, Mestre, or even the Island of Murano.

Many of these places are easy to access via water taxi with a vaporetto or other means of public transport. Making it easy to return to your AirBnB, hostel, or hotel after you’re done dining.

Average Cost of Aperitivo and Drinks in Venice

The cost for wine, cocktails, or an aperitivo in Venice can vary from as little as €2.50 at a modest wine bar to as much as €10 at a fine-dining establishment.

A refreshing aperol spritz or prosecco will typically cost you between €2.50 and €4.

A glass of house wine in a hotel bar or restaurant lounge can cost between €1 to €3.

A glass of wine at a wine bar that also serves cicchetti or tapas, will usually run you between €2.50 and €4. A humble draft beer in Venice can range from €3.50 to €5​.

Cocktails and specialty drinks in Venice average around €5 to €10 depending on the bar or restaurant.

A bottle of wine from a wine shop or supermarket can range from €5 to €15 for local wine of reasonable quality. However, prices can easily be much higher for premium selections.

Conclusion

A fun Venice food tour doesn’t have to break the bank, but it certainly helps to be mindful of your budget going into the experience. The average cost for a simple breakfast with a cup of coffee can be as little as €5 at a local bakery.

You can enjoy a fine lunch at a pizzeria, or even buy a panini from a street food vendor to eat on the go for €5 to €7. However, there are certainly tons of ristorantes offering sit down experiences that are well worth paying more.

The thing I like about this modest approach to breakfast and lunch is that it leaves you more wiggle room in the budget to splurge on dinner at one of Venice’s world-renowned ristorantes or trattorias.